U.S. patent application number 11/109268 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-19 for folding ramp system.
Invention is credited to Mark Drabik, Brian Harrod, Kenneth V. Hollewa, David Mitchenall, Jay H. Ovenshire.
Application Number | 20060232089 11/109268 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37085219 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060232089 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Drabik; Mark ; et
al. |
October 19, 2006 |
Folding ramp system
Abstract
A pair of folding ramps each of which having a hinge connecting
a first ramp section pivotally to a second ramp section. When in a
fully unfolded state, structural support adjacent the hinge is
provided by a tension cable assembly composed of a tension cable
connecting to the first and second ramp sections and passing over
an end of a mast, wherein the mast is connected with the hinge so
as to be pivotal with respect to the first and second ramp
sections. When in a fully folded state, the folding ramps are
stored within a ramp storage receptacle of a tail gate.
Inventors: |
Drabik; Mark; (Macomb TWP.,
MI) ; Hollewa; Kenneth V.; (Macomb, MI) ;
Harrod; Brian; (Leonard, MI) ; Mitchenall; David;
(Shelby TWP., MI) ; Ovenshire; Jay H.; (Macomb
TWP., MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION;LEGAL STAFF
MAIL CODE 482-C23-B21
P O BOX 300
DETROIT
MI
48265-3000
US
|
Family ID: |
37085219 |
Appl. No.: |
11/109268 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/61 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 1/435 20130101;
B62D 33/0273 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/061 |
International
Class: |
B62D 25/00 20060101
B62D025/00 |
Claims
1. A folding ramp, comprising: a first ramp section having an
underside; a second ramp section having an underside; a hinge
pivotally connecting said first ramp section to said second ramp
section; and a tension cable assembly located at said underside of
said first and second ramp sections, said tension cable assembly
comprising: a tension cable having a first end connected to said
first ramp section adjacent a distal end thereof, and a second end
connected to said second ramp section adjacent a distal end
thereof; and a mast having a base connected to said hinge in
pivotal relation to both of said first and second sections, said
mast having an end opposite said base at which said tension cable
is generally located; wherein said first and second ramp sections
are foldable between a fully folded state of the folding ramp and a
fully unfolded state of the folding ramp; and wherein when said
first and second ramp sections are in said fully unfolded state of
the folding ramp, said tension cable is substantially taught.
2. The folding ramp of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of first
longitudinal beams connected to said underside of said first ramp
section; and a pair of second longitudinal beams connected to said
underside of said second ramp section; wherein said first and
second longitudinal beams are located such that at said fully
folded state of the folding ramp, said first and second
longitudinal beams nest with respect to each other.
3. The folding ramp of claim 2, wherein said hinge comprises a
hinge pin, a pair of primary hinge barrels pivotal on said hinge
pin, and a pair of secondary hinge barrels pivotal on said hinge
pin independently of said pair of primary hinge barrels; wherein:
each of said first longitudinal beams is connected to a respective
one of said primary hinge barrels of said hinge; and each of said
second longitudinal beams is connected to a respective one of said
secondary hinge barrels of said hinge.
4. The folding ramp of claim 3, wherein said hinge further
comprises at least one tertiary hinge barrel pivotal on said hinge
pin independently of said primary and secondary hinge barrels;
wherein said base of said mast is connected to said at least one
tertiary hinge barrel.
5. The folding ramp of claim 2, further comprising a cable guide
rotatably mounted to said end of said mast, said tension cable
being engaged by said cable guide such that said tension cable is
located at said end of said mast.
6. The folding ramp of claim 5, further comprising a head connected
to said first ramp section at an obtuse angle relative thereto.
7. The folding ramp of claim 6, further comprising a cable guide
rotatably mounted to said end of said mast, said tension cable
being engaged by said cable guide such that said tension cable is
located at said end of said mast.
8. A folding ramp system, comprising: a motor vehicle tail gate,
said tail gate having a ramp storage receptacle formed therein; and
a pair of folding ramps, each folding ramp of said pair of folding
ramps comprising: a first ramp section having an underside; a
second ramp section having an underside; a hinge pivotally
connecting said first ramp section to said second ramp section; and
a tension cable assembly located at said underside of said first
and second ramp sections, said tension cable assembly comprising: a
tension cable having a first end connected to said first ramp
section adjacent a distal end thereof, and a second end connected
to said second ramp section adjacent a distal end thereof; and a
mast having a base connected to said hinge in pivotal relation to
both of said first and second sections, said mast having an end
opposite said base at which said tension cable is generally
located; wherein said first and second ramp sections are foldable
between a fully folded state of the folding ramp and a fully
unfolded state of the folding ramp; and wherein when said first and
second ramp sections are in said fully unfolded state of the
folding ramp, said tension cable is substantially taught; and
wherein said ramp storage receptacle is dimensioned to receive
thereinto said first and second folding ramps when said first and
second folding ramps are in said fully folded state.
9. The folding ramp system of claim 8, further comprising: a pair
of first longitudinal beams connected to said underside of said
first ramp section; and a pair of second longitudinal beams
connected to said underside of said second ramp section; wherein
said first and second longitudinal beams are located such that at
said fully folded state, said first and second longitudinal beams
nest with respect to each other.
10. The folding ramp system of claim 9, wherein said hinge
comprises a hinge pin, a pair of primary hinge barrels pivotal on
said hinge pin, and a pair of secondary hinge barrels pivotal on
said hinge pin independently of said pair of primary hinge barrels;
wherein: each of said first longitudinal beams is connected to a
respective one of said primary hinge barrels of said hinge; and
each of said second longitudinal beams is connected to a respective
one of said secondary hinge barrels of said hinge.
11. The folding ramp system of claim 10, wherein said hinge further
comprises at least one tertiary hinge barrel pivotal on said hinge
pin independently of said primary and secondary hinge barrels;
wherein said base of said mast is connected to said at least one
tertiary hinge barrel.
12. The folding ramp system of claim 11, further comprising a cable
guide rotatably mounted to said end of said mast, said tension
cable being engaged by said cable guide such that said tension
cable is located at said end of said mast.
13. The folding ramp system of claim 12, further comprising a head
connected to said first ramp section at an obtuse angle relative
thereto.
14. The folding ramp system of claim 13, further comprising an
access panel pivotally connected to said tail gate, wherein said
access panel selectively covers said ramp storage receptacle.
15. The folding ramp system of claim 14, further comprising a
plurality of posts connected with said tail gate and located within
said ramp storage receptacle; wherein said first and second
foldable ramps have openings through which said plurality of posts
pass when said first and second folding ramps are located within
said ramp storage receptacle, and wherein said access panel abuts
said plurality of posts when said access panel covers said ramp
storage receptacle.
16. The folding ramp system of claim 15, further comprising: a lip
on said head; and a boss on said tailgate which engages said
lip.
17. A folding ramp system, comprising: a motor vehicle tail gate,
said tail gate having a ramp storage receptacle formed therein; an
access panel pivotally connected with said tail gate, said access
panel selectively covering said ramp storage receptacle; and a pair
of folding ramps, each folding ramp of said pair of folding ramps
comprising: a first ramp section; a second ramp section; and a
hinge pivotally connecting said first ramp section to said second
ramp section; wherein said first and second ramp sections are
foldable between a fully folded state of the folding ramp and a
fully unfolded state of the folding ramp; and wherein said ramp
storage receptacle is dimensioned to receive thereinto said first
and second folding ramps when said first and second folding ramps
are in said fully folded state.
18. The folding ramp system of claim 17, further comprising a
plurality of posts connected with said tail gate and located within
said ramp storage receptacle; wherein said first and second
foldable ramps have openings through which said plurality of posts
pass when said first and second folding ramps are located within
said ramp storage receptacle, and wherein said access panel abuts
said plurality of posts when said access panel covers said ramp
storage receptacle.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to ramps used to move articles
between lower and higher elevations, and more particularly ramps
used to load and unload an automotive cargo bed. Still more
particularly, the present invention relates to a folding ramp
system featuring folding ramps which are operatively strengthened
adjacent the hinge thereof by a tension cable assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The loading and unloading of the cargo bed of an automotive
vehicle, such as for example a pick-up truck or sport utility,
involves changing the elevation of articles between the ground and
the cargo bed, wherein the cargo bed is ordinarily a few feet
higher than the ground. This frequently involves lifting and
lowering motions by one or more persons to effect the
loading/unloading of the one or more articles with respect to the
cargo bed.
[0003] In many cases, the articles being conveyed to and from the
cargo bed are wheeled, and the conveyance thereof can be eased by
utilization of one or more ramps. In this regard, a narrow ramp may
provide cargo bed conveyance of a single or in-line wheeled
article, as for example a wheel barrow, bicycle or motor cycle. And
in this regard further, a wide ramp or a pair of mutually spaced
narrow ramps may provide cargo bed conveyance of left-right wheeled
articles, as for example a golf cart, an all terrain vehicle, or
garden tractor, as well as specialty vehicles, as for example a
snow mobile.
[0004] While ramps of the aforesaid types are known in the art, and
may be in the form of commercially manufactured ramps, or simply in
the form of home-made planks or plywood, the problem associated
therewith is the vehicular storage thereof when not in use. This
storage problem is significant in terms of where in the vehicle the
ramps can be stored and yet leave cargo space not adversely
affected thereby. Certainly, ramps left at home do not help when
articles need to be conveyed with respect to the cargo bed and the
vehicle is not at home, but is rather somewhere away on the
road.
[0005] Accordingly, what remains needed in the art is a ramp system
which can somehow be stored easily in the vehicle without taking up
valuable cargo space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is a folding ramp system featuring a
pair of folding ramps which, when in a fully unfolded state for
use, are structurally supported adjacent the hinge thereof by a
tension cable assembly. Because the ramps are folding, the length
thereof is substantially halved when in a fully folded state,
allowing the ramps to be stored easily in the vehicle without
adversely affecting the vital cargo space thereof, indeed the
storage may be advantageously provided by a receptacle within the
tail gate (end gate) of the vehicle.
[0007] The folding ramp system according to the present invention
includes a pair of folding ramps. Each folding ramp has a first
ramp section, a second ramp section and a hinge pivotally, and
generally centrally, connecting together the first and second ramp
sections. To maximize rigidity, yet minimize weight, each of the
first and second ramp sections has left and right longitudinal
beams at an underside thereof, wherein the longitudinal beams are
placed so that when the folding ramp is in a fully folded state,
the longitudinal beams mutually nest.
[0008] In order to provide structural strength adjacent the hinge
when the folding ramps are in the fully unfolded state and placed
into service to convey articles between the cargo bed and the
ground, a tension cable assembly is provided at the underside of
the folding ramps. The tension cable assembly is composed of a mast
pivotally connected to the hinge, and a tension cable extending
from a distal end of the first ramp section to a distal end of the
second ramp section. When a folding ramp is in its fully unfolded
state and placed into service as a conveyance ramp, the tension
cable becomes taught. Should weight be applied to the mid-span of
the folding ramp, the tension cable undergoes a commensurate
tensioning which effects to supply a supportive force to the mast
so that any tendency of the folding ramp to bend under the weight
at the mid-span thereof is supportably resisted.
[0009] Advantageously, it is preferred for a receptacle to be
provided in the tail gate (end gate) of the motor vehicle into
which the pair of folding ramps is conveniently stored. A
selectively openable access panel of the tail gate allows
restricted access to the folding ramps, as needed.
[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a folding ramp system for a motor vehicle, wherein the
folding ramps thereof are tension-cable supported when in a fully
unfolded state, and wherein the folding ramps are storable in a
receptacle of a tailgate when in a fully folded state.
[0011] This and additional objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become clearer from the following
specification of a preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the folding ramp system
according to the present invention, shown in its fully unfolded
state and shown in operation with respect to a tail gate and cargo
bed of a motor vehicle.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a folding ramp according to
the present invention, wherein the folding ramp is shown in its
fully unfolded state.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an underside plan view of a folding ramp according
to the present invention, wherein the folding ramp is shown in its
fully unfolded state.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a second perspective view of a folding ramp
according to the present invention, wherein the folding ramp is
shown in its fully unfolded state.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a folding ramp according to
the present invention, wherein the folding ramp is shown in its
fully folded state.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a sectional view seen along line 6-6 of FIG.
5.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective, broken-away view of a folding ramp
according to the present invention, showing in particular a cable
guide of the mast thereof, wherein the cable guide is shown in its
deployed orientation.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective, broken-away view of a folding ramp
according to the present invention, showing in particular the hinge
thereof.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective, broken-away view of a folding ramp
according to the present invention, showing in particular the cable
guide of the mast thereof, wherein the cable guide is shown in its
storage orientation.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a folding ramp according to
the present invention shown in operation with respect to a motor
vehicle, wherein exemplar forces operating thereupon are
indicated.
[0022] FIGS. 11A through 11D are a succession of perspective views
of the folding ramp system according to the present invention,
showing a portion of a motor vehicle cargo bed, wherein a pair of
folding ramps according to the present invention are shown being
stored into a ramp storage receptacle located in the tailgate of
the motor vehicle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Referring now to the Drawing, FIG. 1 is an example of a
folding ramp system 100 according to the present invention, shown
with respect to a motor vehicle 102. A pair of folding ramps 104a,
104b are provided wherein, when operatively deployed as shown, a
head 106 thereof lies generally flatly upon the tail gate 108 of
the motor vehicle in parallel relation thereto, whereby the folding
ramps span acutely the elevational difference between the cargo bed
110 and the ground G.
[0024] In the most preferred form of the present invention, the
tail gate 108 is provided with a ramp storage receptacle 112 (see
FIG. 11A), having a selectively openable access panel 114. In a
fully folded state of the folding ramps 104a, 104b (see FIG. 5),
the folding ramps are neatly and conveniently stored in the ramp
storage receptacle 112 without intruding whatsoever into the cargo
bed 110 (see FIG. 11C).
[0025] Each folding ramp 104a, 104b is composed of a first ramp
section 116, a second ramp section 118 and a hinge 120 which
provides a pivoting connection between the first and second ramp
sections. It is preferred for the first and second ramp sections
116, 118 to be substantially of equal length and be constructed of
a light weight, strong and durable sheet, preferably aluminum. The
first and second ramp sections 116, 118 are preferably provided
with cut-outs 122 to minimize sheet weight and to locate the
folding ramps with respect to posts 112p of the ramp storage
receptacle 112 (see FIG. 11C), as will be discussed in greater
detail hereinbelow. Additionally, it is preferred for the upperside
124 of the first and second ramp sections 116, 118 to be provided
with anti-slip surfacing 126.
[0026] The underside 128 of the first ramp section 116 is
reinforced by a pair of mutually spaced apart first longitudinal
beams 130a, 130b, and the second ramp section 118 is reinforced by
a pair of mutually spaced apart second longitudinal beams 130c,
130d. The first and second longitudinal beams are connected to
their respective first and second ramp sections 116, 118, as for
example by periodically spaced welds, wherein the preferred
composition thereof is extruded aluminum. The first longitudinal
beams 130a, 130b of the first ramp section 116 are mutually closer
together than the second longitudinal beams 130c, 130d of the
second ramp section 118 (this spacing can be vice versa), so that
when the folding ramps 104a, 104b are in the fully folded state,
the first and second longitudinal beams mutually nest (see FIGS. 5
and 6) with a minimum distance between the first an second ramp
sections 116, 118, defined by a thickness of the first and second
longitudinal beams (see FIG. 6).
[0027] As shown best at FIG. 8, the proximal end of the first
longitudinal beams 130a, 130b are connected to first primary hinge
barrels 120a of the hinge 120, while the first ramp section 116 is
also connected to second primary hinge barrels 120a' of the hinge.
The proximal end of the second longitudinal beams 130c, 130d are
connected to first secondary hinge barrels 120b of the hinge 120,
while the second ramp section 118 is also connected to second
secondary hinge barrels 120b' of the hinge. Accordingly, the
primary hinge barrels 120a, 120a' are able to pivot on the pivot
pin 136 with respect to the secondary hinge barrels 120b, 120b'.
The distal end of each of the first longitudinal beams 130a, 130b
preferably ends at the head 106, and the distal end of each of the
second longitudinal beams ends at a bevel for parallel ground
interfacing as depicted at FIG. 1.
[0028] In order to provide structural strength of the folding ramps
104a, 104b in the mid-span adjacent the hinge 120 thereof, a
tension cable assembly 140 is provided at the underside 128. When
the folding ramps 104a, 104b are in the fully unfolded state and
placed into service (as shown by way of example at FIG. 1), the
tension cable assembly 140 provides support to the mid-span (the
region generally adjacent either side of the hinge 120).
[0029] The tension cable assembly 140 includes a mast 142 having a
pair of side supports 142a. The base of the mast 142 and the side
supports 142a are each connected to tertiary hinge barrels 120c so
as to be pivotal with respect to the hinge pin 136 independently of
the pivoting of the first and second ramp sections 116, 118 at the
primary and secondary hinge barrels The tension cable assembly 140
further includes a tension cable 144 extending from a first anchor
146a located adjacent a distal end 116a of the first ramp section
116 to a second anchor 146b located adjacent a distal end 118a of
the second section 118 (see FIG. 4). The tension cable 144 connects
pivotally to the first and second anchors. Preferably, the tension
cable 144 is in the form of a braided aluminum cable which is
looped at each end for loopingly receiving, respectively, the first
and second anchors.
[0030] As shown best at FIG. 7, a cable guide 148 is rotatably
connected to the upper end of the mast 142 and serves to locate the
tension cable 144 with respect to the upper end of the mast. The
rotatability of the cable guide 148 allows for a free rotation
between the deployed orientation, as shown at FIGS. 4 and 7, and a
storage orientation (rotated about ninety degrees clock-wise or
counter clock-wise from the deployed orientation), as shown at FIG.
9, utilized when the folding ramps 104a, 104b are moved into the
fully folded state, as shown at FIG. 5, so that the cable guide 148
and the tension cable 144 exiting from opposites sides thereof has
room to fit easily between the first and second ramp sections 116,
118 in the space between the longitudinal beams.
[0031] In operation of the folding ramp system 100, the folding
ramps 104a, 104b are moved to the fully unfolded state, whereupon
the tension cable 144 is taught. Now the folding ramps are
positioned into service as generally depicted at FIG. 1, wherein
the folding ramps have an acute angle to the ground and the head
106 is obtusely angled relative to the first ramp section 116 such
that it lies generally flat upon the tail gate 108. In order to
ensure the folding ramps cannot slide off the tail gate, a lip 106a
on the head lips onto a boss 108a of the tail gate 108. The boss
108a may be raised or depressed in relation to the adjacent surface
of the tail gate 108.
[0032] As shown at FIG. 10, when a weight W applies a normal force
N to the mid-span of a folding ramp 104a, 104b, the normal force
tends to cause the folding ramp to bend at the mid-span,
particularly at the hinge 120. However, the tension cable undergoes
a tensioning T which translates into an opposite force F at the
mast which counterbalances the normal force of the weight. A
non-limiting example for the length of the mast may be about
one-third the length of the first and second ramp sections, wherein
consideration is given to the principle that, for a given weight
(normal force) acting on the folding ramp, the longer the mast, the
lower would be the tension in the tension cable. In this regard,
the length of the mast 142 in relation to the distance between the
hinge 120 and the first and second anchors 146a, 146b is
pre-selected so that the tension cable 144 is able to supply the
opposite force F in response to its tensioning T under a
predetermined amount of weight W (normal force N) at the mid-span,
without causing the tension in the tension cable to exceed its
operational limit.
[0033] When it is time to store the folding ramps 104a, 104b, the
user grasps a folding ramp, and preferably, in so doing also grasps
the tension cable and pulls thereon as the first and second ramp
sections 116, 118 fold on each other. The cable guide 148 will
rotate to the storage orientation as needed in response to the
tension cables abutting the underside of the first and second ramp
sections. When both folding ramps 104a, 104b have been placed into
the fully folded state, they may then be stored in the tail gate
108, as will next be detailed.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 11A through 11D, operation of the
folding ramp system 100 will be detailed with respect to storage
and deployment of the folding ramps 104a, 104b vis-a-vis the ramp
storage receptacle 112.
[0035] A key feature of the folding ramp system 100 is that the
folding ramps 104a, 104b are foldable near or at the mid-point
thereof via the hinge 120 which thereby permits the folding ramps
to be stored within the width, height and length of a typical tail
gate (end gate) of a motor vehicle. Therefore, the dimensions of
the folding ramps 10a, 104b are pre-selected with respect to the
ramp storage receptacle 112 of the tail gate 108 so that the width
D, folded length L and thickness T (see FIGS. 5 and 6) of the
folding ramps 104a, 104b are less than the overall length L', width
D' and depth T' of the ramp storage receptacle formed within the
tail gate such that both of the folding ramps fit completely into
the ramp storage receptacle, that is, entirely within the tail
gate.
[0036] The access panel 114 of the ramp storage receptacle 112 is
hinged 148 with respect to the bottom of the tail gate, and has a
typical operative sequence of being: unlocked, pivoted open to
access the folding ramps, pivoted back onto the tail gate to serve
as a platform over the ramp storage receptacle during loading and
unloading of articles (see FIG. 1), pivoted open to allow the
folding ramps to be re-stored, then pivoted back onto the tail gate
and thereupon locked.
[0037] At FIG. 11A, the folding ramps 104a, 104b are seen lying in
the cargo bed upon the access panel 114, which, itself, is lying
upon the floor of the cargo bed 110. A plurality of location posts
112p are connected to the front wall 108w of the tail gate 108 and
project upwardly with respect to the ramp storage receptacle. The
height of the location posts is selected so that when the access
panel is pivoted so as to close the ramp storage receptacle, the
location posts abut the access panel, and thereby render structural
support thereto.
[0038] At FIG. 11B, one of the folding ramps is placed into its
fully folded state and then placed into the ramp storage
receptacle. In this regard the cut-outs 122 cooperate with the
location posts 112p so that the location posts pass therethrough
and at the same time assist location of the folding ramp with
respect to the ramp storage receptacle.
[0039] At FIG. 11C, the other folding ramp is now placed into its
fully folded state and then placed into the ramp storage receptacle
upon the previously placed folding ramp. Again, the cut-outs
thereof cooperate with the location posts so that the location
posts pass therethrough and at the same time assist location of the
folding ramp with respect to the ramp storage receptacle.
[0040] At FIG. 11D, the access panel is now pivoted up to its
closed position, and then secured in that position with respect to
the tailgate. By way of preferred example, a pair of key operated
locks 150 on the access panel secure the access panel by selective
rotation of lock legs 152 (see FIG. 11C) into interfering abutment
with respect to the tailgate at the ramp storage receptacle.
[0041] To those skilled in the art to which this invention
appertains, the above described preferred embodiment may be subject
to change or modification. Such change or modification can be
carried out without departing from the scope of the invention,
which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *